Happy New Year–does your office embrace the principles of good Feng Shui for writers? I called upon the expertise of Pam Gaulin, Kerrie Flanagan, and Regina Paul who wrote online articles about this topic if you’re interested in reading more.

There is probably something to be said–a lot, actually–about having a tidy, neat, calming writer’s space to cause the Chi (the invisible life force or energy that is all around us) to flow in positive directions for maximum creativity and focus.

But I’m coming off the heels of the holidays and my office is a mess. (And no, there will not be pictures posted today until my Feng Shui gets more in order.)

But when will that be? The desk cleaning I did recently involved moving a large pile from the top of my desk to the side where no one can see it from the hallway. Other things accumulating on this same secretly shameful side: books, conference materials from October, cords. Bad Chi for sure!

Regina Paul tells us that Chi can be blocked by clutter, and blocked Chi can lead to frustration and the inabiltiy to create.

So, you shouldn’t stack your work on your desk because then it appears like an obstacle that’s impossible to overcome. (I don’t need paper clutter to make me feel like that–all I have to do is open Word every day and stare at the blinking cursor 🙂

More Feng Shui advice: Be sure your back is not to the door so you can keep an eye on things and the good Chi can enter freely. Have a wall behind you to feel supported in your career choice.

I face a wall when I write. And I have the option to look out a window–with my L-shaped desk, which I just read is not good for Chi. But I’ve tried sitting in the middle of the room with a wall behind me and it made me feel–jittery. Exposed. I just seem to need a wall in front of me for comfort. Maybe it was all those hours I spent in the library studying in carrels, staring at blank gray–um, carrel spaces.

Sometimes I think that ideally, it would be nice to be surrounded by walls–a tiny little space that just fits you and your writing and no other distractions. I once read that a famous writer–I forget whom–locked himself up into a little closet to write. I actually like that idea a lot! Away from family, phone, etc. in your own little sealed-up private space…so maybe I should ditch the office and consider writing in my closet.

Feng shui colors are important, and here as well I have gone wrong. Blue is calming , it represnts water and encourages release, higher thought, and inner wisdom.Purple–also a good color, represents enlightenment, prosperity, and creativity. So then, um…my office wallpaper…very un-Feng Shui pink curli-ques!

If you do use blue, be sure to put some orange accents in there–perhaps as a bouquet of flowers–for contrast and fire so you don’t get too lethargic from all the calming tones.

Kerrie Flanagen tells us to not forget good lighting, a comfy chair, and a window or picture with depth of view.

Two more tips:

–Plants can minimize electronic fields, which can disturb Chi.

–Use your South wall for fame and recognition. Here’s where you place book covers, awards, diplomas, and the goals you aspire to achieve.

And for those of us who don’t have time to worry too much about Feng Shui…here’s to a nice, quiet writing space in 2013 (even if it’s the kitchen table), where we can simply write in peace.

May 2013 be a great writing year, full of good Chi, great ideas, and a calm place where you can work hard and prosper!